Mary had it. Martha resented it. Jesus praised it. In response to Martha’s request that Mary help her serve, Jesus answered: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41,42) To Mary’s credit, she “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.” (Luke 10:39) Mary paid attention. She took advantage of Jesus’ presence and eagerly absorbed what he had to say. Mary had mastered the art of attentiveness.

God expects us to pay attention, especially to His will for us in our lives. In the Old Testament the Children of Israel got into trouble when they failed to pay attention. In Isaiah the Lord reminds His children, “I am the Lord your God, who . . . leads you in the way you should go.” With regret he adds: “O that you had hearkened to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea;” (Isaiah 48:17,18) The path to happiness is through attention as stated in Proverbs 8:32: “And now, my children, listen to me: happy are those who keep my ways.” Genuine attentiveness translates into action.

On the Mount of Transfiguration, the Father validates Jesus’ ministry by referring to him as “my beloved son” followed by the demand, “hear him.” (Luke 9:35) Jesus builds on this theme when he states: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) We are reminded of the advice that Eli gave to Samuel after hearing someone call his name three times. He tells Samuel if he hears the voice again to reply: “Speak, Lord, for thy servant hears.” (I Sam. 3:9) If we are to hear God speaking to us, we need to be open to the possibility.

Attentiveness is a virtue worth cultivating. Unfortunately life is full of distractions. With so much going on, it is difficult to pay close attention to ourselves and others, much less God’s voice in the world. Daily we compete with city noises -- cell phones ringing, music blaring, TV blasting, children shouting – a cacophony of sounds that capture our attention. Demands on our time, responsibilities at work and making ends meet also take their toll on our attention span. Like Martha, we have much to be anxious and troubled about.

Attentiveness requires discipline and determination. We need to give ourselves “time outs” from the sounds of distractions and the stresses of daily living. In the solitude of silence we are able to hear God speak to us in “a still small voice,” just as he did to Elijah on Mt. Horeb (I Kings 19:12). Such an approach requires concentration, meditation and reflection on God’s Word. It is part of our growing relationship with God. In addition, it is important that we pay attention to ourselves, whether that involves listening to our body, setting appropriate boundaries or taking good care of ourselves. Attentiveness is also a key ingredient in building relationships. The extent that we are fully available to people, to that extent we validate and connect with them. Such attentiveness is the one thing needful in relationships.

The following are ways to put attentiveness into practice:

1. Study God’s Word diligently. Take time out to “read, mark and inwardly digest” what God has in mind for you.
2. Tune in to the Spirit. Ask for spiritual ears to hear the voice of God and to tune out distractions.
3. Pay attention to yourself. Listen to your body and attend to your needs. Treat yourself as God’s gift.
4. Recharge your batteries often. Get away, relax and recreate.
5. Be available to others. Be fully present with others and give them your undivided attention, especially your children.

Affirmation: Speak Lord, your servant hears!